By Nick Childs

With Luck on it’s side, Stanford took it to the Virginia Tech Hokies in the Discover Orange Bowl. The first half was incredibly competitive and entertaining for everyone. The second half wasn’t remotely competitive and only entertaining for Cardinal fans.

Andrew Luck and the Stanford defense was the story in this one. Luck looked every bit as good as advertised. He made all the throws. He scrambled when necessary. He was dominant. I don’t think I have ever seen a quarterback pick apart a Bud Foster defense the way Luck did today. I think it is fairly safe to say that he will be the first selection in the 2011 NFL Draft. There is really no reason for him to stay. He is the clear choice as the No. 1 pick and passing on the guaranteed money that comes with that is irresponsible to pass up. Ask Sam Bradford how stressful it was during his final year at Oklahoma wondering how his recovery was going to go. Granted, everything has worked out for Sam just fine thus far, but those had to have been tough times.

Go to the other side of the ball, and the Cardinal were equally as dominant. Tyrod Taylor was under pressure all day, rarely having the time to let plays develop unless he created the time by scrambling. What an athlete he is. But the story today was Stanford. They held the Hokies to zero second half points, and Virginia Tech’s only touchdown came from an incredible display of athleticism from Tyrod Taylor and running back, David Wilson.

I feel awful for Tyrod Taylor. This is such a disappointing way to end a college career that I have truly enjoyed following and watching from the very beginning. I absolutely love quarterbacks like Taylor, guys that can create something out of nothing. Unfortunately, tonight, he was the only one with “VT” on the side of his helmet that showed up to play. The Hokie offensive line was nothing short of atrocious. They couldn’t pick up a blitz… heck, they couldn’t stop Stanford’s four-man rush. They couldn’t open a hole for any running back all night. It was embarrassing. This made the Hokie offense turn into a one-man band featuring Taylor and there was really only so much he can do.

That being said, Tyrod can hold his head high. He finished his collegiate career tonight as Virginia Tech’s winningest quarterback and all time leader in total yards. From everything I have heard he is a bright, humble young man, and I wish him all the best at the next level. Don’t sleep on this guy as a franchise quarterback on Sundays. He does have the skill set. The only real flaw in his game right now that I see is his accuracy which really isn’t that bad at all.

Congrats to Stanford on winning this game, and congrats to the Hokies on their ACC title and great season.